Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) -- General Assembly Democrats are reacting harshly to reports the Youngkin Administration is considering withholding funds from school districts that do not follow the Governor's Executive Order and create an "opt out" for masks. The Youngkin Administration has not confirmed such a plan is on the table, but Lieutenant Governor Winsome Sears (R) mentioned it to a Fox News reporter.
Delegate Jeff Bourne (D-Richmond) calls such a move unconscionable. He says a loss of funding for a district like Richmond would be catastrophic. Bourne is a former Richmond School Board member. He also wonders if it is legal, as there are constitutional questions regarding control of schools, and Bourne points out it is the General Assembly, not the Governor, who appropriates.
Richmond is one of the districts planning to keep universal masking. Henrico is as well. Chesterfield and Hanover are reviewing the executive order.
